Laurence P. FARRELL LCdr (RCN)
Born: 27 July 1935
Died: 10 January 2020
LCdr (RCN) Laurence "Lou" FARRELL passed away peacefully at Victoria, BC January 10, 2020 in the presence of family.
"Lou" was born on a family homestead near Elfros, Saskatchewan, grew up in Virginia Town, Ontario and finished high school at Moose Jaw, Tech.
After high school, Lou joined the navy. Lou was a member of the inaugural class of cadets at HMCS Venture, where Lou and his classmates formed lifelong bonds of friendship. Lou served thirty-five years with the Royal Canadian Navy, serving aboard HMCS Margaree among other ships and in postings to Halifax, Ottawa, Montreal and Victoria.
After retirement, Lou and Marlyn moved to Central Saanich where Lou enjoyed his weekly swim with the "SOBs". Later, they would settle on Gabriola Island where they made many deep and lasting friendships and where Lou took up watercolour painting and a passion for gardening.
Lou was a member and proponent of the AA program for over fifty years. Through the program he made close and lasting friendships with people on Gabriola, in Victoria and across the country.
Laurence is pre-deceased by his wife Marlyn, and sons Kelly and Sidney. He is survived by his son Casey and daughter Desirea, and grandchildren Zoe, Jill, Shane, Sidney, Madelaine, Jacqueline, Jonahs (Taewyn), Calvin (Sarah), Trevor, Darien, Dawson, and Aaron.
Lou is remembered fondly for his lovely garden, his kindness to all, his enthusiastic support for the interests and passions of family and friends, and his wise and compassionate aid to anyone on the journey of recovery and sobriety.
Family and friends are invited to gather to remember Lou and celebrate his life at 11:00 am Thursday March 26, 2020 at the Centennial United Church Assembly Hall, 612 David St., Victoria, BC.
Published in The Times Colonist on Feb. 29, 2020
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